Stephen Koch Halloween First Ascents

Stephen Koch on his kindly named FA of Aaron’s Gift…

Im making this one quick since there has been so much going on lately and im falling behind on blog posts with so much great climbing going on.

This climbing/mountaineering technique takes years of practice to perfect… Post holing sucks!

I got a call from long time friend Brian Prax and he had a crew ready along with Cloudveil Photographer David Stubbs excited to hit the road for some early season ice climbing. Stephen Koch was joining them as well and alhtough he and I had only met once previously years ago I was psyched to climb with him knowing that he is a very well accomplished athlete.

Escaping the snow slog gully and into the sunny slopes above

I had seen this climb the weekend before and decided we would head back up to the area which would provide great shots from above and below. After Koch gave me a guilt trip for wanting another FA I resided to being a photographer and gave the other guys first dibs. Like a couple of young teenagers arguing who was going to be up to bat first, Koch emerged as the winner.

Bringing Halloween cheer to the mountains..

Stepehen Koch figuring out the moves on Cody’s newest mixed route. This pitch was named aptly Blood Blister

The first pitch ended up going at WI5 and the second at WI5 M6. I was able to get up this last weekend and get the second lead on this uniquely and inventive protected pitch. It is a great addition to the Carter Mountain climbing area!